CONGRATULATIONS to the five-strong Kilmac team which took part in the Rattray Beaver Run - and staff members who set their alarm clocks on Sunday to help on the day!
Marc McGarry was among the runners who led the way home in the windswept half marathon, along with Michael Bannon, Joe Lynch and Kim McDonald, while Kerry Clark was delighted with her time over the hilly 10K race in East Perthshire.
The support team on the day was Julie Scobie, Lauren Pratt, Sandy Williams, Niall Stirton, Brooke and Lee McDonald, Finlay Hunter-Bell, Jimmy Kerwin, Edvins Balodis, Marie Bartlett, Jimmy Riddoch and Athole McDonald.
They ensured the well-stocked Kilmac marquee was in place to welcome runners to the finishing line, erect signage and supply water bottle stations on the courses.
Construction foreman Mark tackled runs in Glasgow and Dundee last year.
But he admitted the 550 metres of climbing on narrow back roads above Blairgowrie and Rattray was his most demanding test yet.
“It was tough right from the start, brutal if I am being honest,” he said after catching his breath on the finishing line.
“But it was nice being part of the Kilmac team and it was for a great cause, with Parkinson’s UK and Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance both benefiting.”
Our managing director Athole stepped in to offer Kilmac sponsorship and secure the future of an event stretching back more than 30 years.
Around 120 runners took part in the half marathon and 10K races organised by Blairgowrie and District Rotary Club, with support from the Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust, the Blairgowrie Runners and First Aid Perthshire.
Race director Bob Ellis welcomed the backing from Kilmac and the buy-in from so many of our staff.
“It was fantastic securing the future of the event through Kilmac’s generous support, but it was an unexpected bonus to have so many of their staff supporting the rebranded Rattray Beaver Run, either by participating or helping with the organisation on the day.
“We are very grateful to everyone involved in ensuring it was a successful event. We are looking to build on these foundations for next year.”
